The Anglo-Saxon name Raneforth comes from when the family resided in the chapelry of Rainford in the parish of Prescot in Lancashire. The surname Raneforth is a habitation name which forms a broad category of surnames that were derived from place-names. They were derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads. In this case the surname Raneforth was originally derived from the Old English Regnaforde which refers to those individuals who lived by the ford. However, there is also evidence that the name in fact referred to Danish settlers, who came from Randers Fiord, Denmark.

Raneforth Early Origins

The surname Raneforth was first found in Lancashire where they were found since ancient times, perhaps even predating the Norman Conquest of England by Duke William of Normandy in 1066 A.D. Early records, and the church cemetery show bearers of the name in Little Crosby, Lancashire.

Raneforth Spelling Variations

Raneforth Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Raneforth include Rainford, Rainsford, Raynsford, Raynsforde, Reinsford, Reinsforde, Raynesford, Rainesford, Rainesforde, Ranford, Ranforde, Randsford, Randford, Randeford and many more.

Raneforth Early History

Raneforth Early History

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Raneforth research. Another 403 words (29 lines of text) covering the years 1150, 1469, 1933, 1605, 1680, 1660, 1663, 1632, 1690, 1652, 1709, 1700 and 1701 are included under the topic Early Raneforth History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Raneforth Early Notables (pre 1700)

Raneforth Early Notables (pre 1700)

Distinguished members of the family include Sir John Raynsford of Essex; John Raynsford, an English politician, Member of Parliament (MP) for Colchester during the 16th century; and Sir Richard Rainsford SL (1605-1680), an English judge and politician who sat in the House of Commons between 1660 and 1663...

Another 47 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Raneforth Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Raneforth In Ireland

Raneforth In Ireland

Some of the Raneforth family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. Another 91 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

The Great Migration

The Great Migration

A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: Edward Rainsford and his wife, who settled in Salem Massachusetts in 1630; Captain Rainford, who settled in Jamaica in 1774, with his wife and three children.

Shaw, William A. Knights of England A Complete Record from the Earliest Time to the Present Day of the Knights of all the Orders of Chivalry in England, Scotland, Ireland and Knights Bachelors 2 Volumes. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing. Print. (ISBN 080630443X).

The Raneforth Family Crest was acquired from the Houseofnames.com archives. The Raneforth Family Crest was drawn according to heraldic standards based on published blazons. We generally include the oldest published family crest once associated with each surname.